2. There are two sanctioning bodies. And two sets of rules. The International Wave Class Association (IWCA) and the International Hobie Class Association (IHCA). The IWCA (aftermarket sails and trampolines) assign sail (hull) numbers with a yearly fee. The IHCA (everything made by Hobie, blocks on the downhaul, minimum weight) seems to just let you do what you want and then resolve duplicates at a regatta with electrical tape.

3. Everybody seems to talk about sail numbers and then put numbers on the hull. Go figure.

For both sanctioning bodies, the only particular concern is being able to tell one boat from another at the start and finish lines. Anything unique to your boat will help them score it. Bow numbers make it easier to call someone over the line in heavy traffic.

My club uses sail numbers, based on the serial numbers; and when I first got my boat, in races they'd call out "uh...little Hobie!" as I crossed the line. So I added the sail numbers.

As Big Whoop knows, we all put bow numbers on for the IWCA Nationals, but the bashings from the strong wind & waves tore them off.

If you like 007, go for it. As long as no other 007 shows up at the same race, you're good to go.

I think that I will just put the numbers on the hull as well, when to the sites listed below, not much help. As for how to do the numbers, from what people are posting gluing on vinyl cut out numbers seems easiest, other that painting on!